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Harper establishes new Nats record for walks

WASHINGTON -- Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper has done it all this season -- from hitting monster home runs to displaying that cannon of an arm in right field.

During Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the Orioles, Harper walked three times. He now has 118 walks, which broke Adam Dunn's club record of 116 set in 2009.

"I'm trying to be the best, trying to get on base. I have faith in the guys behind me to get it done," Harper said. "If I can just get on base, if we score runs, we are winning ballgames."

Harper wasn't satisfied with what he accomplished. He ended up going 0-for-1 in the game and he was not happy that he popped up to second baseman Jonathan Schoop for the second out of the third inning. Harper felt he should have hit Ubaldo Jimenez's sinker out of the park.

"That's on me. If I want to hit, then that's the pitch I have to hit," Harper said. "Instead of being 1-for-1, I was 0-for-1 with three walks. I can't miss my pitches."

For manager Matt Williams, the walks record means Harper is having a great year and sticking to his game plan.

"He continues to be patient at the plate. It just means he continues with his progress and that's a very good sign for this franchise for years to come," Williams said.

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All theTime. He also can be found on Twitter @WashingNats.
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